The Principles of Life by Tibor Ganti (Oxford University Press, 2003 &mdash first published 1971 in Budapest).

Professor Gánti offers a radically novel approach. Based on his theory of fluid (chemical) automata, he shows that all living systems are organized as program controlled, self-reproducing fluid automata and proposes the simplest such construction-the chemoton-as the minimum model of life. In this volume, the logical train of thought is presented in a clear and easily understandable manner for the beginning student and professional scientist alike. The first part provides an overview of the general idea; the second applies the chemoton model to the biogenesis of life; the third part develops the chemoton model into a general theory of the living state and the living world for the natural sciences.
(see Oxford University Press)